Cost Implications of Clinical Decisions
Clinical Haematology is allocated an annual budget and is required to provide its inpatient and outpatient services within that budget. Any significant deviations from this budget need to be justified.
- Do not omit necessary tests. Use your common sense combined with senior medical and nursing advice, if required. Necessary tests with the potential for detecting early disease can be very cost-effective.
- Pathology and Radiology tests and investigations:
- Ask yourself if the test is needed, and whether it is needed urgently or if it can wait.
- Could a less expensive test provide the same information?
- Patients who have central lines in place have a tick box on their white board to indicate tests that the nursing staff should take. It is rarely necessary to order a white cell differential when the total white count is < 0.5x109/l.
- Many of the more complex tests will reflect departmental policy or protocols and you will need to be acquainted with these. Not all patients need daily laboratory tests. Many patients may only need a full blood count 2-3 times a week. Seek guidance from the Consultant running the ward.
- Any suggestions you may have to reduce costs and/or increase efficiency should be discussed with one of the Consultants.
- Remember that you have a ‘Duty of Care’ to the patients in the B6 and you should strive to provide the most appropriate treatment for them at all times.
Topic Code: 4619
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